Aging Theories
This theory proposes that as people age, they naturally withdraw from social roles as a way to prepare for the end of life
disengagement theory
The idea that parents tend to invest more in their children and view them as their legacy.
generational stake hypothesis
This three-part model explains how older adults adapt to age-related declines by focusing on meaningful goals, maximizing strengths, and adjusting strategies.
SOC (selection, optimization, compensation) model
The tendency to remember positive images and forget negative ones reflects this emotional bias.
positivity effect
These stressors occur when caregiving disrupts other areas of life, such as work or social relationships.
secondary stressors
This theory suggests that successful aging involves maintaining social roles, replacing lost connections, and staying engaged. Emphasizes the social, physical, and mental benefits.
activity theory
This model describes how individuals are surrounded by close, supportive relationships that travel with them through life.
convoy model of social relations
A 75-year-old woman stops driving at night but arranges carpools to stay socially engaged. This behavior reflects this specific SOC strategy.
compensation
The emotional impact of grief that is not acknowledged by society, such as grieving an ex-partner.
disenfranchised grief
These challenging symptoms - agitation, depression, and resistance to care - cause high emotional distress for caregivers and are a leading factor in nursing home placement.
BPSD (Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia)
This theory suggests that as people age, they prioritize emotionally meaningful relationships and goals.
socioemotional selectivity theory
A pattern where one spouse pushes for communication and the other withdraws, often seen in marital conflict.
demand-withdraw pattern
Sleep disturbances and cardiovascular consequences are examples of this physical manifestation of grief.
biological expression of grief
This effect describes how the death of a spouse can lead to an increased risk of mortality for the surviving partner.
widowhood effect
This model suggests that when older adults need help, they turn first to close family members and only seek support from others if those sources are unavailable.
hierarchical compensatory model
This theory says that occupying multiple roles leads to deeper social integration and a heightened sense of meaning and purpose.
role theory
This type of support usually flows from parents to children until parents reach late life, often marking a new caregiving phase.
intergenerational support
This process describes how bereaved individuals find new sources of support and companionship.
substitution
The tendency for loneliness to persist despite having a large social network is explained by this concept.
social asymmetry
Especially common among LGBT older adults, this type of social partner can offer emotional support, companionship, and sometimes even caregiving.
a friend
This theory says social interactions involve costs and benefits as relationships are established and sustained.
social exchange theory
This process, often intensified between siblings due to shared backgrounds and childhood memories, involves evaluating oneself based on others' abilities and achievements.
social comparison
Maladaptive form of coping involving persistent disbelief and symptoms lasting over six months.
complicated grief
According to this model, social isolation intensifies the harmful impact of stress on psychological well-being.
stress-exacerbation model
According to the Caregiving System Model, volunteering may reduce stress through this type of neurobiological process.
stress-buffering process